Saturday, December 31, 2011

Wait, Is That the End?

Let's Celebrate!

This year just seemed to fly by and it was filled with some fun times, great people and 365 days of fashion (almost). I want to thank all of you guys for your support on this little blog of mine. I can't wait to see you in 2012 with new adventures, fun changes and a little bit of:










and

Notes from the Dressing Room


Have a fabulous (and safe) celebration and I'll see you next year!!!


Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Notes from the Dressing Room-Lady Chic at Ann Taylor

While I was working my way through the Christmas list (last-minute), I headed out to a few stores last week. Ann Taylor was in the neighborhood and as I was perusing the store, I couldn't help but think that I might have to set aside funds for some future purchases (they are trying to steal what I would set aside for J. Crew).

They are currently still offering 50% off, so definitely check them out. Here are a few dressing room pics of a few things that caught my eye:





Fireside Blouse, $98, available here
Tweed Mini Skirt, $98, available here

I love a vibrant color and this red-orange beauty is a great option. It is nicely fitted, the buttons lay flat with hardly any kind of button gaping that is usually an issue and it would be perfect paired alone or under a blazer. I didn't even realize it until I read the product description, but it has a subtle animal print. That makes it even better in my book. If I'm not mistaken the size I'm wearing is petite which fit pretty well and didn't have as much length at the bottom which works for me since I am short-waisted. Considering that this is polyester, I don't think it is worth the full price, but at 1/2 price, it goes up several notches to the possible buy category. Fit is tts.

Tweed! Glorious tweed!! I just gravitate towards certain fabrics and tweed is one of them. This skirt has a simple straight shape, contrasting color detail and best of all, the tweed has a bit of color weaved through it. I like the black lines (fyi, it does not continue through the back), but I know that might not work for others. It fit comfortably in my regular size, my only complaint is that the tweed does not feel that thick, however, it is lined so that's a plus. Overall, I think it is a nice buy.



3/4 Sleeve Sheath Dress, $128, available here in black (limited sizes)

Sheath dresses can be hit or miss when it comes to looking flattering on the body, but I have to say, this dress is a winner for me. Granted, it is very simple, but the color is fabulous and the fit of this dress was perfect. It hugged the body just so; the fabric wasn't clingy, it just skimmed appropriately. You can add a nice statement necklace, a scarf or a belt to take it up a notch. Or even better, pair it with a colorful shoe like this one. It has a zipper detailing on the sleeve and it has a hidden zipper in the back. Fit is tts and the length is just right. I whole-heartily give this baby a thumbs up and judging from the stock left online, it is going fast.



Multicolored Stripe Button 3/4 Sleeve Button Tunic, $78, available here

Are you all striped out?? Even if you are, this sweater has a little something different going on with the varying stripe sizes and extra colors. This sweater has several pluses going for it: the fabric is soft, it is well-fitting and it has the cutest button detail on the bottom of the sleeve. But, it is a thin knit and there is a possibility of fuzziness in its future. I'm not crazy about all of those horizontal lines on my body, but I'm sure it would look great on some of you skinny-minnies with cute tiny waists. :p  Good buy at 50% off!!




Felted Wool A-Line Mini Skirt $98, available here

I have a pair of pants that I like to call my "sweat" dress pants. They look like a regular pair of trousers but are made of jersey, so it almost feels like I'm wearing a pair of sweatpants. I absolutely love them and this skirt is pretty much the same thing, in a very work appropriate skirt form. The brownish-tan color is subtle enough to work with lots of other colors, I've already mentioned how comfortable it is and the wool is not itchy what-so-ever. Seriously, it could be stretch jersey. Fit is tts and I think it is a good buy.


Have you taken advantage of Ann Taylor's generous discount? Have you picked up any goodies at the mall lately?

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Stocking Hung with Care and Fun Treats

I just want to wish all of my wonderful readers a Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays. 


I'm gearing myself up on the annual viewing of one of my favorite holiday movies:










Drinking a little bit of this:





And eye-balling my present under the tree, counting down the hours until I can rip it open:


Okay, I know what it is but apparently there are extras in there and I have no clue what they are; the suspense is killing me!!


I hope you get lots of great presents, quality time with your loved ones and a belly full of yummy treats!!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

OOTD- Pop & Roar




And a secret little holiday spirit via my socks:

I'm usually not one for holiday themed dressing (or even wearing colors associated with a holiday), but I thought these socks would start my week off with some great Christmas cheer.

I had been obsessed with finding a hot pink sweater ever since I saw images of this Tibi sweater earlier in the fall. I am no stranger to color or pink, so it was lust at first sight when I saw it, but I was immediately turned off by the high price tag. I love you Tibi, but it was not going to happen. So I did what I always do when my soda budget doesn't allow for champagne dreams; I went on a relentless manhunt for a suitable alternative. Forever 21 eventually heard my calls and came to the rescue and me and the hot pink sweater lived happily ever after. This is my first time wearing it and I love its vibrancy, but so much pink might be too much for work. A navy blazer and leopard scarf helped temper the blinding color and I'm sure my co-workers were thankful for not having to wear shades in the office.


When you find something you completely love, but is way out of your budget, do you:
A.) Just dream about it, but never really end up buying?
B.) Save your money up to eventually get it?
C.) Find an alternative or designer "inspired" version?
D.) Stalk that baby until the price is right?

Outfit Details:
Neon pink sweater- Forever 21 (similar here in short-sleeve, similar here in lighter shade)
Blue blazer- Lauren Ralph Lauren (similar vibe here, pricier version from a fave designer here, cheaper version in cotton here)
Denim- Joe's Jeans
Leopard scarf- ASOS (similar here, here in a knit, gray version with sequins here)
Tan boots- (old) Madewell (similar version this year here, similar here)

Monday, December 19, 2011

OOTD- Summer Layered





I have it in my head that I need an orange dress for winter. Especially after seeing this cute and simple DvF number and let me not talk about the awesome back detail on this Tibi dress. I saw someone wearing it last week and it made me love it even more. Alas, the only orange dress I have is a t-shirt dress that I picked up at H&M over the summer, but I found a way to make it work for the chilly weather by adding some layers. Since it isn't ridiculously cold yet, I styled it with a tee instead of a sweater and put on some cable-knit tights. Can I tell you how excited I am to go crazy and layer whatever I can in my closet? If I start looking like a third Olsen twin (except not really), it might be time for concern. In the meantime, I will be layered up and cozy.

Speaking of the Olsen twins, are you guys signed up for StyleMint yet? If not, you should. Do it here!! I have way too many t-shirts in my closet, so when StyleMint came around I figured I probably wouldn't be buying anything, but this is number three. I love the patterns, colors and design elements of their selection which is why I have added only more tops to the current toppling tower.

Do you have any toppling towers going on in your closet? What can't you stop buying all the time?


Outfit Details:
Open back t-shirt- StyleMint "Pacific"- Limited sizes available here, similar here and tee with interesting detail here)
Orange dress- H&M (pretty sleeveless number here, silkier version here, similar here)
Brown suede platforms- Charlotte Ronson (similar here in an interesting texture, similar here, simpler style here)
Leopard fedora- Albertus Swaneopol for Target (available here, similar here with wider brim, similar here with just a touch of leopard)
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